The Allegheny County Health Department will open its influenza vaccination clinic at

3441 Forbes Avenue, Oakland, on Monday, September 15.

The clinic will offer influenza vaccine, while supplies last, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Wednesdays, from 1 to 8 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Health officials report there are many sources of influenza vaccine and ample supplies are expected to be available this flu season.

“Influenza vaccination not only can keep you from getting sick from flu but protecting yourself also protects the people around you who may be more vulnerable to serious complications, such as the elderly, the chronically ill and very young children,” said Health Director Dr. Karen Hacker.

The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. It is a covered benefit to people with Medicare Part B coverage who are not in an HMO and may get vaccine from any Medicare-approved provider. The vaccine is $25 for others. A limited supply of flu vaccine without thimerosal will be offered free of charge to uninsured/underinsured

children.

Please call 412-687-ACHD (2243) in advance to make sure it’s available.The vaccine protects against four strains of influenza virus expected to circulate this season – H1N1 Type A, H3N2 Type A, and two Type B influenza viruses.Influenza is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that can cause mild to severe illness, sometimes leading to death, primarily in the elderly and the chronically ill.